Help, I want to buy a bass and know nothing

wormsgetsold · #1 09-10-2006, 08:05 PM

I am going to buy a bass and can spend $3000 maybe $3500 if there if something truly worth it. I have been thinking about the Gollihur Bulgarian or a Kay. Any suggestions, comments, etc.? I play jazz and bluegrass/folk and really like a fat low end.

thedbassist · #2 09-10-2006, 08:16 PM

Definetly go for the gollihur bulgarian, I own one and its a great bass!!!

RWP · #3 09-10-2006, 08:41 PM

First welcome to Talk Bass!

You will fine a HUGE pool of real talent here with answers to all kinds of questions.
I take it you have never played the bass? If so my suggestion would be to get to the store and play around with all kinds. You will find them with thick necks, thin necks, different scales, tone etc. You will have to find what feels right to you. However, being new that will be subjective, as after you have played for a time different things will be important because you don't really know enough to know what you want.

It is good that you have some cash to start out with. 3k is a lot of money for a bass. You will be able to afford a very nice one. You might want to purchase a less expensive bass to get started with and then, after you have a feel for what you like, sink the big bucks. Good luck, playing bass has been a life long enjoyment for me and I hope it will be for you too.

wormsgetsold · #4 09-10-2006, 09:00 PM

I did not mean to give the impression I don't play. I have played a terrible cheap chinese laminate for a couple of years and now I hate playing it, I think I got everything I could get out of it. It seems like I have maybe narrowed it down to the Gollihur Bulgarian or a Upton Hawkes Hybrid. Any comments on these two basses?

Tritonis · #5 09-10-2006, 11:11 PM

The Upton is an incredible bass for the price. I can't wait for mine.

Chase_The_Bass · #6 09-10-2006, 11:15 PM

o_O going from cheapo to boutique!!! I wish i was u lol. I recomend Fodera, they have a sound as big as a house! lol

TheSuzie · #7 09-11-2006, 12:48 AM

I would also try to check out the New Standards. They are not that much more than the price range you mentioned and get a lot of raves.

Peace,
S

drurb · #8 09-11-2006, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wormsgetsold

I did not mean to give the impression I don't play. I have played a terrible cheap chinese laminate for a couple of years and now I hate playing it, I think I got everything I could get out of it. It seems like I have maybe narrowed it down to the Gollihur Bulgarian or a Upton Hawkes Hybrid. Any comments on these two basses?

Will you also need a bow, a case, and, perhaps, a pickup? If so, the Upton hybrid ought to do you just fine with maybe a bit left over.

uptonbass · #9 09-12-2006, 06:37 PM

I can't say my thoughts publically

but I will say Les your avatar kicks ass!

Chase_The_Bass · #10 09-12-2006, 06:42 PM

Oh i get it...this is a DB not BG...i feel stupid.

Silversorcerer · #11 09-13-2006, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thedbassist

Definetly go for the gollihur bulgarian, I own one and its a great bass!!!

+1, and you'll have some $$ left for a bow, bass bag, pro set-up, and whatever strings you might prefer if you don't like the nice D'addy helicores it comes with. I'm just totally loving the one I got (4/4 5-string!)

Bellbass · #12 09-13-2006, 05:59 PM

You should also check with Steve at string emporium. He's got great basses at that price range.

Charles

Bethelbass1 · #13 09-13-2006, 06:24 PM

I own a Gollihur bass and I also say its a great bass.. for the price. I went from a cheap chineese bass to the gollihur two years ago and it was a night and day difference at the time. However, I have had to put quite a bit more money into setting it up (the E string rattled horribly and my g string still makes a funny sound around the g harmonic when I play jazz pizz.). Also, I had the wood split on the heel which messed up the sting height horribly. I then expected the neck to eventually come off but it turned out it had been glued on with white glue. In fact, white glue is used throughout the instrument. Don't get me wrong, I still love the sound (which continues to mature every day) and think its great for the price, but I would think about saving up a little more and finding a bass locally. If you can get your teacher or another person who knows basses to go with you it will help in making this important decision. I find that, 2 years later, I need to upgrade to a nicer bass and bow becuase my equipment is holding me back from making the strides that I made two or even one year ago.

In summary (sorry it was so long) think about saving a little more and buying the next level up locally. Internet musical purchases are sometimes hit and miss.

standupright · #14 09-13-2006, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bellbass

You should also check with Steve at string emporium. He's got great basses at that price range.

Charles

+1.....I spent a little more than 3k with Steve and absolutely love my bass.

clink · #15 09-13-2006, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tritonis

The Upton is an incredible bass for the price. I can't wait for mine.

I just put a deposit on a Hybrid Hawkes. Bass, bag and an RS2 pickup for just under $3K: Shipping included. Pitty I have to wait 8-12 weeks, but it seems that Gary has a good thing going.

wormsgetsold · #16 09-13-2006, 07:22 PM

I think maybe i'll just wait and save more money maybe try one of the new standards. I have a decent bow and bass case. On another note I need a 210 cab to go with a Clarus. I found an Epifani ul-210 for $700 used in great condition. worth it?